Hong Kong‘s High Court on Thursday (Feb. 18) again rejected another bail application filed by media mogul and Beijing critic Lai Chi-ying. Lai Chi-ying is the most high-profile figure charged with crimes after Beijing passed the implementation of Hong Kong’s national security law.
The Court of Final Appeal ruled last week that the lower court’s decision to grant him bail last year was based on “faulty reasoning” but allowed Lai’s team to file a new bail application with the High Court.
The High Court said it would publish its reasons for denying Thursday’s application at a later date.
Under the new law, the defendant has the burden of proving that he or she would not pose a national security threat if released on bail.
Lai Chi-ying has been in custody since Dec. 3, during which he was released for about a week, but had his previous decision overturned on appeal by the prosecution.
Lai was arrested last August when about 200 police officers raided his Apple Daily newsroom.
The Apple Daily and other media reported Wednesday that Lai Chi-ying was jailed again for allegedly aiding the arrest of a fugitive arrested by China at sea last year.
Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong last June after months of pro-democracy protests. The law punishes all those deemed by Chinese authorities to have committed acts of subversion, secession, terrorism or collusion with foreign powers with a maximum sentence of Life in prison.
Critics say it is designed to crack down on dissidents and that it erodes the freedoms of the semi-autonomous financial center. Its supporters say it has regained stability after months of turmoil.
Prosecutors accuse Lai Chi-ying of violating the law in statements he made from July 30 to Aug. 18. Lai is accused of asking foreign countries to interfere in Hong Kong affairs.
Lai has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting with officials, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, about his support for democracy in Hong Kong, prompting Beijing to label him a “traitor.
Lai resigned last year as chairman of Next Media, publisher of Apple Daily.
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